Yearly Weather

New Delhi has a warm China climate. This climate is characterized by a very wet summer and dry winter. Starting June humidity rises kicking off the rainy season. This in combination with warm temperature is far from pleasant.

It cools off in November when the short winter starts. In January it often tends to be foggy. In March, the wind is mainly from the northwest. It brings very hot air and the temperature is very high from March to October. Starting April temperatures in New Delhi often exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104° Fahrenheit).

What’s the best time to go to New Delhi in India? Here are some annual weather facts we collected from our historical climate data:

During the months January, February, March, November and December you will experience pleasant weather with a nice average temperature.

Hot season / summer is in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.

Most rainfall (rainy season / monsoon) is seen in July, August and September.

New Delhi has dry periods in January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December.

On average, the warmest month is May.

On average, the coolest month is January.

July is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you don’t like too much rain.

Travel Facts

VISA

American and Canadian nationals need to apply online for your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), you can get the India visa upon arrival at the airport. The details of the E-visa formalities can be accessed on the following website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

CLOTHING

Many people prefer to shop for clothes in India as they like to adopt a more local way of dressing and clothes can be purchased very cheaply. However, cities such as Mumbai and Delhi are fast becoming very westernized and you’ll see people wearing jeans and t-shirts. In smaller cities and villages, people still dress conservatively. The most important rule for both ladies and men is to keep your legs and shoulders covered. Wearing shorts should be avoided. Females will also often find it beneficial to wear a shawl or scarf that covers their breasts. For men, short-sleeved shirts are more respectful than wearing t-shirts. In nightclubs, western dress standards of jeans and a top for girls, and jeans and a t-shirt or shirt for guys, apply.

HEALTH

Medicines for specific ailments, with similar active ingredients to what is found overseas, are available in India. The problem is figuring out the brand names and making the pharmacist understand what you’re after. Therefore, you should bring an adequate supply of whatever medicines you usually need. Common items such as Vitamin C and acetaminophen (a standard painkiller) are not difficult to purchase from a pharmacy. However, problems may still be encountered as, for example, acetaminophen is known as paracetamol in India. Therefore, it also helps if you describe your symptoms, such as a headache or stomach ache, to the pharmacist.

The Government of India has introduced a new vaccination requirement for travelers who are both citizens of and residing in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, or Syria. Please note that the vaccination requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens.

PERSONAL CARE

You’ll have to search to get roll-on antiperspirant outside major cities, but it can be found. Bring mosquito repellent with you, as western brands tend to be stronger and more effective than the Indian ones. It’s also a good idea to pack your favorite hair products as the range of gels and hair sprays is limited, and hair wax is virtually non-existent.

MONEY

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities. ATM machines can also be found in most places, including in small towns. The entrance fee at many tourist sites can be paid in US dollars if you have the exact change, so do carry some US currency with you in small denominations. The Indian currency is highly regulated can’t be purchased outside India, so it’s also a good idea to carry some currency that you can exchange for Indian rupees when you arrive at the airport in India.

CURRENCY

The currency used in India is the rupee, which is divided into 100 paise. Rupees are available in the following denominations: Notes: Rs 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000. Coins: 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50 paise.

TIPPING

In restaurants, if the service was good, tip anything between approximately 5-10% of the bill. Depending on the category of the hotel, and the bill amount. It’s not mandatory, you may not leave a tip if you don’t want to.

Our suggestions for daily tipping are the following:

Drivers: $ 2.00 to $ 5.00

Tour Guide: $ 10.00 to $ 20.00

House Keepers: $ 2.00

Porters: $ 1.00 per luggage

SHOES

Shoes are another thing that can be bought very cheaply in India. Markets abound with them in all different colors and designs. You get what you pay for though, so make sure you bring a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes, sneakers or sandals. If you intend to go out in the evenings, bring a pair of dress shoes as well. The rest you can easily get along the way.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Anti-bacterial hand wipes are extremely useful for many situations. A flashlight and toilet paper also come in handy. If you wish to use any electronic devices from the United States, you’ll need a voltage converter and plug adaptor. People coming from countries with 230V currency, such as Australia and the UK, only require a plug adaptor for their appliances.